“Malta and Germany could strengthen their already-strong cooperation, which already exists nowadays with Germany being Malta’s greatest commercial partner with a strong increase in exportation and importation over the past decade.” These were Prime Minister Robert Abela’s sentiments after a meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin.

In comments to media at the Chancellory in the German Capital after the meeting with Scholz, Abela explained how Malta and Germany have common interests which lead to the two countries’ cooperation, such as that in economic sectors. Industries such as manufacturing with more innovative machinery, pharmaceuticals, financial services and aviation. Such plans also take the environment into consideration whilst also planning to create quality careers for people in Malta and Gozo.

Connectivity was also an important point of discussion, with Malta remarking that connectivity between Malta and Germany will remain strong thanks to Malta’s national airline which will kick off operations in March 2024. The discussions in Berlin also tackled the question of immigration, with Malta maintaining its position on prevention of arrivals and human trafficking. Malta also held that only should illegal human trafficking operations be halted, but a collective effort should be made for human traffickers to answer for their acts.

The Prime Minister also reiterated his belief in strengthening of dialogue and support towards other countries in the Mediterranean such as Libya and Tunisia. Abela, together with Scholz, discussed climate security and Malta’s role in the United Nations Security Council. It was said that, in the face of global challenges, Malta continues to voice its call in favour of peace. “The fact that our country welcomed a high-level international meeting to find peace in Ukraine, named the Ukraine Peace Formula, and the resolution pushed from Malta adopted by the Security Council continues to show the country’s commitment towards peace in different regions.

The two leaders also discussed the energy sector and the journey towards an environmental core in this sector. The importance of research, innovation and strategic cooperation in different regions were also mentioned, such as Malta’s efforts for the Mediterranean to become a centre for clean energy.

In Berlin, Robert Abela was accompanied by Minister for Foreign, Trade and European Affairs Ian Borg, Minister for the Economy, European Funds and Lands Silvio Schembri, Minister for Home Affairs, Security, Reforms and Equality Byron Camilleri, Malta’s Ambassador for Germany Vanni Xuereb and head of Secretariat with the Prime Minister’s Office Glenn Micallef.

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